“In the context of a selective distribution system, a contractual clause requiring sales of cosmetics and personal care products to be made in a physical space where a qualified pharmacist had to be present, resulting in a ban on the use of the internet for those sales, amounted to a restriction by object within the meaning of article 101(1)FEU of the FEU Treaty where it was apparent that that clause was not objectively justified. The block exemption provided for in article 2 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2790/1999 of 22 December 1999 on the application of article 81(3) of the Treaty to categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices (OJ 1999 L336, p 21) did not apply to a selective distribution contract which contained a clause prohibiting de facto the internet as a method of marketing.”
WLR Daily, 13th December 2011
Source: www.iclr.co.uk
